Bearings and valves are two of the most common applications for silicon nitride ceramic balls. The production of silicon nitride balls utilizes a process that combines isostatic pressing with gas pressure sintering. The raw materials for this process are silicon nitride fine powder as well as sintering aids such as aluminum oxide and yttrium oxide.
To achieve the desired size of the silicon nitride ball, a diamond wheel is utilized in the grinding process.
The expansion of the silicon nitride balls market is primarily driven by the superior properties of these balls.
These balls are used in bearings, which allow two parts to move relative to each other while also supporting loads from the part to keep it in place. Bearings can be thought of as a combination of a joint and a load-bearing support. It has a low density and low thermal expansion in addition to having a high resistance to the effects of thermal shock. In addition to this, its strength is not affected by temperatures up to one thousand degrees Celsius. Silicon nitride balls are utilized in the machine tool spindles, dental drills, motor racing, aerospace, high speed air turbine bearings, and biotechnology industries for high temperature and high speed applications, respectively.
Silicon nitride valve balls provide the necessary performance standards for the industries of oil exploration and recovery. It is also chemically inert, has a high strength, and has excellent resistance to abrasion and corrosion. In addition, it is a lightweight material. It is able to withstand the high temperatures that are present in deep-water operations thanks to its high thermal shock resistance as well as its low coefficient of thermal expansion.
Consequently, the rise in oil and gas exploration activities served as a driving force behind the expansion of the market during the period covered by the forecast. The significant difference in price between silicon nitride ball bearings and steel ball bearings is the primary factor working against the expansion of the market. It is anticipated that new opportunities will become available for the players in the market as a result of an increase in the use of silicon nitride balls in a variety of end-use industries, including the automotive, aerospace, medical, and chemical sectors, among others.
